Sunderland travel to the Keepmoat Stadium tonight to face Doncaster in their penultimate pre-season fixture, with the match due to kick-off at 7:45.

The Black Cats began pre-season with a comfortable 4-2 win against Northern Premier League side Darlington 1883 but found the going tougher on their United States and Canada tour.

Two defeats – 1-0 against Sacramento Republic and 3-1 against Club de Futbol Pachuca – were rounded off with a 2-1 victory over FC Toronto last Wednesday, and Dick Advocaat will be hopeful their latest outing was a sign of things to come.

New signing Jeremain Lens makes his Sunderland bow tonight and fans will be excited to see what the dynamic winger can bring to the Black Cats attack.

Fellow summer arrival Younes Kaboul has to make do with a place on the bench but will be hopeful of making an appearance at some stage.

Adam Matthews also starts on the bench following his move from Celtic while Sebastian Coates, signed on a permanent deal this summer, lines up alongside John O’Shea in the first XI.

Sunderland begin their Premier League campaign in 10 days against Leicester City and, after tonight’s game, face Hannover 96 in their final pre-season fixture.